FUELS Features: Christine Eells

Time to highlight one of our local, dedicated educators!

A gem in the Pinellas County School System and Teacher of the Year

Welcome & Congratulate - Christine Eells!

Christine reached out to FUELS in need of sensory materials for her students. We were so honored to help her and wanted to share a bit more about her with you. Recently, we were able to reach out to Christine for a little Q&A:

FUELS, Q1:  Give us a history lesson - Where did your passion for education stem from?

Christine: My sister! When we were kids, my (slightly older) sister used to play school with me and our brother. She took the role of the teacher very seriously in those days. It must have worked because they both have a career in education as well. Although, as long as I can remember, I have loved helping others and had an interest in teaching. I started out as a volunteer before getting a position as support staff - first as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Associate and then as a Child Development Associate (CDA). I worked two jobs while finishing my bachelor’s degree and getting my teaching license.

FUELS, Q2: What has been a highlight (or two) thus far in your teaching career?

Christine: I am the Teacher of the Year for my school this year! I am so honored that my colleagues and administration think so highly of me and the work I do.

FUELS, Q3: What are some difficulties/roadblocks/frustrations you are currently facing in regard to teaching?

Christine: Politics. As an ESE Teacher (aka Special Education Teacher), I am struggling with what is happening in Tallahassee - and across the country - regarding what teachers are/ are not allowed to say and/or read in the classroom. I believe the future is versatile and children need to learn authentic material about history and current events as well as other cultures/ ways of living to better understand the world we live in.

FUELS, Q4: What are things you look forward to when out of the classroom?

Christine: My favorite thing to do outside of work is to travel with my husband. We love to learn about new places and cultures and try new foods. I also love to read, make fun holiday crafts, visiting Disney World, and binge watch cooking shows. I love visiting aquariums around the country, too. I love sea creatures.

FUELS, Q5: What are things you would like others - who don’t have an understanding of teaching or education - to know about the profession?

Christine: It’s not just standing in front of a class, reading a book, and maybe doing some math problems. First, all lesson plans are to be written following a progression of learning standards that are set by the State. (Standards that are revised regularly so the material you finally feel comfortable teaching may change over time.) The lesson plans have to be scaffolded and differentiated. That means you must build on prior knowledge while simultaneously teaching lessons in multiple ways because your class of 18-25 students will be a mixture of varying exceptionalities, gifted, low socio-economic status, medical complexities, etc. This year in my classroom, I have children with Language Reception/Expression deficits requiring direct instruction from a Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Dual Language Learner, physical limitations requiring Occupational or Physical Therapy, speech articulation deficits requiring direct instruction from an SLP, children who are not potty trained, and more. All students must be taught the same standards, but you have to change the way you teach it to meet the needs of everyone. You have endless meetings. There are staff meetings, parent/teacher conferences, IEP meetings, Team Leader meetings, PLCs, Collaborative Planning meetings, and so on. Many of these meetings will happen on the same day as others. Just this month I had one day where I had a meeting with district personnel, a student observation, a formal evaluation by administration, a parent/teacher conference, and an IEP meeting plus teaching all the critical content (literacy, math, science, social studies, etc.) all in one day. It can be taxing, but it is also so rewarding.

FUELS, Q6: What is your ultimate, personal goal for the future?

Christine: I really don’t know. I have considered returning to school for a graduate degree. I could see myself writing a book about my career and all the hysterically funny things my students have said and done over the years. I started my career when I was 22 years old. I am now halfway to retirement.

FUELS, Q7: What advice or words of wisdom would you give to someone newly graduating with their teaching degree?

Christine: Get as much on-the-job trainings as you can. Volunteer in a classroom LONG BEFORE you ever begin practicums and internships. Volunteer in multiple grade levels too. The grade level you fall in love with during student teaching is likely not going to be the grade you get when you are hired. If you’re lucky enough to be able to work in a school while you are finishing your degree, do it. I learned so much more about the “behind the scenes” stuff when I volunteered and when I was a support staff personnel than any orientation will ever teach you. It gave me confidence that I knew what I was doing and made dealing with hard things (negative behaviors, parents, politics, policies/ procedures that don’t seem to make any sense, underfunded classrooms, etc.) a little bit easier. I didn’t feel like I had to run to someone for everything.

FUELS, Q8: What are the most beneficial ways teachers can be supported by others (parents, administration, district, community)?

Christine: The most beneficial ways teachers can be supported by others is being shown respect for the work that we do and the expertise we have attained through formal schooling, on the job experience, and the continuing education we are required to complete throughout our careers to maintain a teaching certificate. We are human beings with human emotions. You never know what kinds of struggles we may have in our personal lives that we leave behind for the sake of someone else’s child. Oh, and funding. Public education - across the board - needs more funding.

I’m sure most educators can completely relate! FUELS is so appreciative of our teachers and look forward to highlighting many more of you.

Thank you for all you do! We see you, we support you!